In vs. off (line) — A "Fight" to the Finish

Since various finishing functions can slow press speeds, Markovich says the more finishing a printer does, the more he's apt to consider an off-line system.

"Simple products—those that require only simple folding, simple perfs, simple cutting, etc.—are done in-line for speed. More complex products are done off-line. When you want speed: in-line. When you want complexity, creativity, the tricks: off-line," Markovich says.